The Sacrifice that Saved us was a Work of the Trinity

Contrasting the Old Covenant system of sacrifice with the New Covenant that Jesus inaugurated with his death, the author of Hebrews writes, 
For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh,

How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
(Heb 9:14)
Against the claim that the Father wrongfully unloaded his wrath upon an unwilling Son, the writer of Hebrews argues that Jesus became a voluntary sacrifice for the sins of his people. Jesus is indeed the sacrifice, but he is also the priest who offers that sacrifice.

A priest who needs no blood shed on his behalf, sheds his own blood on behalf of a people who have rebelled against him.

What is more, this unthinkable sacrifice is a work designed and carried out by the Trinity. The Son offers himself to the Father through the power of the Spirit.

The writer of Hebrews here sings for us the song of redemption, a song that can only be heard in three-part harmony.

And so, the writer beckons me to listen:

Poor, helpless pilgrim,

bound by your transgressions,

blinded by your sin,

confused by pain,

grieved by loss,

Take your hands down from over your ears,

And Hear the song of your redeemer.
Hebrews
January 13, 2010
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